Ohio BMV 4820: Petition for Organizational License Plate

Ohio BMV 4820: Petition for Organizational License Plate – Ohio residents and organizations interested in creating specialty license plates can use Form BMV 4820, the official Petition to Establish Organizational License Plate issued by the Ohio Bureau of Motor Vehicles (BMV). This form collects signatures from individuals who intend to purchase a proposed organizational specialty plate, helping groups raise awareness or support a cause through vehicle registration.

Specialty organizational plates in Ohio allow nonprofits, associations, and similar groups to feature custom logos and designs while generating contributions for their mission. The process is governed by Ohio law and BMV rules, requiring both public support via signatures and legislative approval for most organizations.

What Is Ohio Form BMV 4820?

Form BMV 4820 is the standardized petition used to demonstrate demand for a new organizational specialty license plate. Signatories declare their present intention to buy the plate if and when it is issued by the Ohio BMV. The form includes fields for personal information such as name, address, phone number, current license plate number, Ohio driver’s license or ID number, and signature.

According to the official Ohio BMV specialty plates page, organizations must collect at least 150 original signatures. These can be gathered on Form BMV 4820 or on a self-created petition that contains all the same required information. The form itself is dated October 2016 and remains the current version referenced in Ohio Administrative Code.

You can download the official Form BMV 4820 PDF directly here: Download Ohio BMV 4820 PDF.

Requirements to Establish an Organizational License Plate in Ohio

Creating a new organizational specialty plate involves several steps beyond the petition:

  • 150 original signatures from Ohio residents who intend to purchase the plate. Signatures must be original (not photocopied) and submitted on BMV 4820 or an equivalent petition.
  • Passage of legislation by a state legislator. Organizations must work with a member of the Ohio General Assembly to introduce and pass a bill authorizing the plate. (Ohio colleges and universities with a certificate of authorization from the Ohio Department of Higher Education may participate under existing law without new legislation.)
  • After the bill passes, submission of additional materials including:
    • Completed Form BMV 4810 (Affidavit for Participation in Organizational / Collegiate Special License Plate Program)
    • An electronic vector-art file of the logo and name (including Pantone colors and fonts if text is not converted to paths)
    • Logo size limited to no more than 2.5 inches wide by 3.25 inches high
    • Text (displayed between bolt holes) limited to no more than 5.5 inches wide by 0.75 inches high

These requirements are detailed on the Ohio BMV Organizational Plates information page and in Form BMV 4810 instructions.

How to Complete and Circulate Form BMV 4820?

When circulating the petition:

  1. Clearly identify the proposed organization or cause on the form.
  2. Inform potential signers that there will be an additional cost beyond the standard license plate fee and that a portion of the proceeds typically goes to a designated fund supporting the organization.
  3. Ensure each signer prints or types their first name, last name, middle initial, phone number (with area code), full address, city, state, ZIP code, current license plate number, Ohio DL or ID card number, and provides an original signature.
  4. Duplicate the form as needed to gather the required 150 signatures.
  5. Have the circulator complete the contact information section at the end, including total number of signatures collected.

Important note from the form: “Please do not sign this petition unless it is your present intention to purchase this plate if and when it is issued.”

Submission Process and Next Steps

Completed petitions and supporting documents are sent to:

Bureau of Motor Vehicles
Vehicle Information Services
P.O. Box 16521
Columbus, Ohio 43216-6521

For questions, contact the BMV at (614) 752-2055. Once materials are received and approved, the BMV manufactures a sample plate for the organization’s review and approval.

Organizations must also verify their contact information with the BMV by December 31 each year. Failure to do so may result in contributions being redirected to the state’s General Revenue Fund.

If the total number of registrations (new and renewals) for a particular organizational plate falls below 25 in any calendar year, the plate may be terminated under current guidelines.

Related Forms and Resources

Key related documents available from the Ohio BMV Documents & Fees page include:

Ohio Administrative Code Rule 4501:1-7-15 incorporates Form BMV 4820 (October 2016 version) by reference, confirming its continued official status.

Tips for a Successful Petition Drive

  • Start by contacting a state legislator early to gauge support for the required bill.
  • Prepare a clear description of the cause and how plate proceeds will be used to encourage genuine signers.
  • Keep detailed records of all signatures and circulators.
  • Ensure logo artwork meets the strict vector-art and size specifications before final submission.
  • Plan for ongoing compliance, including the annual December 31 contact verification.

Conclusion

Ohio Form BMV 4820 is the essential first step for any organization seeking to establish a specialty license plate in the state. By gathering 150 committed signatures and securing legislative approval, groups can create a lasting symbol of support while generating ongoing funding for their mission. Always use the official form or an equivalent that captures all required information, and submit materials directly to the Ohio BMV Vehicle Information Services office.

For the most current information and forms, visit the official Ohio Bureau of Motor Vehicles website or download the petition now: Download Form BMV 4820 (PDF).

Leave a Comment